Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Macromolecular Science and Engineering PHD Programme By Case Western Reserve University |TopUniversities

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Macromolecular Science and Engineering

Main Subject Area

Engineering - GeneralMain Subject Area

Programme overview

Main Subject

Engineering - General

Study Level

PHD

They are designed to increase the student’s knowledge of macromolecular science and of his or her own basic area of scientific interest, with application to specific polymer research problems. Research programs derive particular benefit from close cooperation with graduate programs in chemistry, physics, materials science, chemical engineering, biological sciences, and other engineering areas. The interdisciplinary academic structure allows the faculty to fit the individual program to the student’s background and career plans. Basic and advanced courses are offered in polymer synthesis, physical chemistry, physics, biopolymers, and applied polymer science and engineering. A laboratory course in polymer characterization instructs students in the use of modern experimental techniques and equipment. Graduate students are also encouraged to take advanced course work in polymer solid state physics, physical chemistry, synthesis, rheology, and polymer processing. The department also offers, in conjunction with the School of Medicine, a six- to seven-year MD/PhD program for students interested in the application of polymers and plastics to medicine, as well as for students interested in a molecular structural basis of medicine, particularly related to connective tissues, biomechanics, aging, pharmaceuticals, and blood behavior. Initiated in 1977, it is the only program of its kind in the nation. The PhD program consists of 36 hours of coursework, including the departmental core courses and 18 credit hours of PhD thesis (EMAC 701 Dissertation Ph.D.) are required for the PhD degree, in addition to passing the research qualifying exam (oral proposal) and the written qualifying exam. Of the coursework credit requirements, the core courses are designated as “depth” courses (12 credits). In addition, all students will take a minimum of two breadth courses in basic science and/or other departments in the School of Engineering (for a total of six credits). The remaining breadth requirements (up to 18 credits) are satisfied by course modules taken in Macromolecular Science and Engineering. Each doctoral student is responsible for becoming sufficiently familiar with the research interests of the department or program faculty to choose in a timely manner a faculty member who will serve as the student’s research advisor. The research advisor is expected to provide mentorship in research conception, methods, performance and ethics, as well as focus on development of the student’s professional communication skills, building professional contacts in the field, and fostering the professional behavior standard of the field and research in general. The research advisor also assists with the selection of three other faculty to serve as the required additional members of the dissertation advisory committee. This committee must be formed within the second semester following admission. Throughout the development and completion of the dissertation, these members are expected to provide constructive criticism and helpful ideas generated by the research problem from the viewpoint of their particular expertise. Each member will make an assessment of the originality of the dissertation, its value, the contribution it makes and the clarity with which concepts are communicated, especially to a person outside the field. The doctoral student is expected to arrange meetings and maintain periodic contact with each committee member. A meeting of the full committee for the purpose of assessing the student’s progress should occur at least once a year until the completion of the dissertation.

Programme overview

Main Subject

Engineering - General

Study Level

PHD

They are designed to increase the student’s knowledge of macromolecular science and of his or her own basic area of scientific interest, with application to specific polymer research problems. Research programs derive particular benefit from close cooperation with graduate programs in chemistry, physics, materials science, chemical engineering, biological sciences, and other engineering areas. The interdisciplinary academic structure allows the faculty to fit the individual program to the student’s background and career plans. Basic and advanced courses are offered in polymer synthesis, physical chemistry, physics, biopolymers, and applied polymer science and engineering. A laboratory course in polymer characterization instructs students in the use of modern experimental techniques and equipment. Graduate students are also encouraged to take advanced course work in polymer solid state physics, physical chemistry, synthesis, rheology, and polymer processing. The department also offers, in conjunction with the School of Medicine, a six- to seven-year MD/PhD program for students interested in the application of polymers and plastics to medicine, as well as for students interested in a molecular structural basis of medicine, particularly related to connective tissues, biomechanics, aging, pharmaceuticals, and blood behavior. Initiated in 1977, it is the only program of its kind in the nation. The PhD program consists of 36 hours of coursework, including the departmental core courses and 18 credit hours of PhD thesis (EMAC 701 Dissertation Ph.D.) are required for the PhD degree, in addition to passing the research qualifying exam (oral proposal) and the written qualifying exam. Of the coursework credit requirements, the core courses are designated as “depth” courses (12 credits). In addition, all students will take a minimum of two breadth courses in basic science and/or other departments in the School of Engineering (for a total of six credits). The remaining breadth requirements (up to 18 credits) are satisfied by course modules taken in Macromolecular Science and Engineering. Each doctoral student is responsible for becoming sufficiently familiar with the research interests of the department or program faculty to choose in a timely manner a faculty member who will serve as the student’s research advisor. The research advisor is expected to provide mentorship in research conception, methods, performance and ethics, as well as focus on development of the student’s professional communication skills, building professional contacts in the field, and fostering the professional behavior standard of the field and research in general. The research advisor also assists with the selection of three other faculty to serve as the required additional members of the dissertation advisory committee. This committee must be formed within the second semester following admission. Throughout the development and completion of the dissertation, these members are expected to provide constructive criticism and helpful ideas generated by the research problem from the viewpoint of their particular expertise. Each member will make an assessment of the originality of the dissertation, its value, the contribution it makes and the clarity with which concepts are communicated, especially to a person outside the field. The doctoral student is expected to arrange meetings and maintain periodic contact with each committee member. A meeting of the full committee for the purpose of assessing the student’s progress should occur at least once a year until the completion of the dissertation.

Admission Requirements

7+

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